What the Oregon Motorcycle Endorsement Is and Who Needs It

Oregon's motorcycle endorsement is an addition to your driver's license that allows you to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads. You need this endorsement if you want to ride any motorcycle, moped, or motorized bicycle with an engine larger than 50 cubic centimeters. Without it, you cannot legally ride — even if you own the motorcycle outright.

The endorsement appears on your license as the letter "M" and is separate from a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). You can get an M endorsement on a regular Class C driver's license, or you can add it to a CDL if you already hold one. The requirements and tests are the same either way.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon requires an M endorsement to ride any motorcycle with an engine larger than 50cc, and you must pass both a written test and a riding skills test to get it.
  • You must be at least 16 years old for a motorcycle endorsement, but riders under 18 need parental consent and must complete an approved motorcycle safety course.
  • The written test covers motorcycle-specific rules, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices; the riding test is performed on your own motorcycle at an Oregon DMV office.
  • Completing an Oregon Motorcycle Safety and Education Program (OMSEP) course waives both the written and riding tests, making it the fastest path to the endorsement.
  • The endorsement fee is a one-time cost added to your license renewal, and you can add it to an existing license without renewing the entire license.

Age Requirements and Parental Consent

You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Oregon. If you are 16 or 17, you need written parental or guardian consent. The DMV provides a consent form that a parent or legal guardian must sign in front of a notary public or DMV staff member before you can take the tests.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent. You can walk into any DMV office and begin the process on your own. Age is verified through your current driver's license or state ID.

The Written Test for the M Endorsement

The written test covers Oregon motorcycle laws, safe riding techniques, and hazard awareness. You will answer questions about topics like proper braking, turning, lane positioning, protective gear, and how to handle skids or emergency maneuvers. The test is typically 25 to 30 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.

You can study using the Oregon Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free and available on the Oregon DMV website. The manual covers everything tested and is written in plain language. Most people spend 2 to 4 hours studying before taking the test. You can retake the written test the same day if you fail, though you will pay the test fee again.

The Riding Skills Test

The riding test is a practical demonstration of your ability to control a motorcycle safely. You will perform maneuvers in a closed course at an Oregon DMV office — not on public roads. The test includes tasks like figure-eights, quick stops, swerving, and slow-speed balance. An examiner watches and scores your performance based on control, safety, and technique.

You must bring your own motorcycle to the test, and it must be street-legal and registered in Oregon. The motorcycle must have working brakes, lights, mirrors, and a horn. You also need a valid helmet that meets Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. If you do not own a motorcycle, you cannot take the riding test unless you use the OMSEP course route, which provides a test motorcycle.

Using an OMSEP Course to Skip Both Tests

The Oregon Motorcycle Safety and Education Program (OMSEP) is a state-approved training course offered by private providers throughout Oregon. If you complete an OMSEP course, you receive a certificate that waives both the written test and the riding skills test at the DMV. You can then go directly to the DMV, show your certificate, and receive your endorsement.

OMSEP courses typically run 2 to 3 days and cost between $200 and $400, depending on the provider. The course includes classroom instruction, hands-on riding practice, and a final riding evaluation. The provider supplies a training motorcycle, so you do not need to own one. Many riders choose this route because it eliminates the need to own a motorcycle before getting the endorsement, and it provides professional instruction that reduces the risk of failing the DMV riding test.

To find an OMSEP provider near you, visit the Oregon DMV website or call the Motorcycle Safety Program office. Courses fill up quickly during spring and summer, so book early if you want a specific date.

Fees and License Changes

The cost to add an M endorsement to your license varies depending on whether you are renewing your license at the same time. If you are adding the endorsement to an existing license without renewing, the fee is typically $20 to $30. If you are renewing your license and adding the endorsement together, the total cost is the standard license renewal fee plus the endorsement fee.

You do not have to renew your entire license to add the endorsement. You can add it at any time during your license validity period. The endorsement will appear on your license within a few days if you explore in person at a DMV office, or within 2 to 3 weeks if you explore by mail.

What to Bring to the DMV

Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of Oregon residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you are under 18, bring the signed parental consent form and a notarized copy of your birth certificate or passport.

If you are taking the riding test, bring your motorcycle, helmet, and protective gear (jacket, gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes). If you are submitting an OMSEP certificate, bring the original certificate issued by the course provider. The DMV will not accept a photocopy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a motorcycle endorsement if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. Your underlying driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue with the DMV before you can add an endorsement. Contact the Oregon DMV to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are needed to restore it.

Do I need to take a motorcycle safety course if I already know how to ride?

No, the course is not required. You can take the written and riding tests at the DMV without completing OMSEP. However, many riders find the course valuable because it teaches Oregon-specific laws and safety techniques, and the certificate waives both tests, which saves time if you do not own a motorcycle yet.

What happens if I fail the riding test?

You can retake the riding test, but you must wait at least one day and pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on the second or third attempt after practicing specific maneuvers they struggled with the first time.

Can I ride a motorcycle with just a learner's permit?

Oregon does not issue a separate motorcycle learner's permit. You must have the full M endorsement on your license to ride a motorcycle on public roads. You can practice on private property without the endorsement, but not on streets or highways.

Does the M endorsement expire or need to be renewed?

No. Once you have the M endorsement on your license, it stays there for the life of that license. You do not need to renew it separately. When you renew your driver's license, the endorsement automatically transfers to your new license at no additional cost.